Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Prescription Trends

Recent research has highlighted a marked rise in the prescription of weight-loss drugs, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), for young children. Led by researchers from New York University, the study analyzed prescription trends among U.S. children aged 8 to 11 with obesity, excluding those with diabetes.

Scope of the Study

The researchers utilized data from over 3.5 million children within the Epic Cosmos electronic health record network, tracking prescriptions from January 2019 to June 2026. The results revealed a significant increase, with the prevalence of GLP-1 prescription rising from 0.03 percent in 2019 to 9.3 percent in 2026. Despite this 310-fold increase, only 0.6 percent of children studied had ever received a prescription for these medications.

FDA Approval and Physician Guidelines

The use of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment has garnered increased interest. Some of these drugs are FDA-approved for adolescents aged 12 and older, but none have received approval for children under 12. Nonetheless, professional guidelines suggest clinicians might consider prescribing them to younger patients facing severe health risks associated with obesity.

Health Risks and Recommendations

The lead investigator, Dr. Babak J. Orandi, emphasized the importance of lifestyle measures, recommending diet, physical activity, and behavioral support as foundational treatments. He advised that GLP-1 medications should complement these measures, especially when a child develops obesity-related complications or when lifestyle interventions are insufficient.

Prescribing Patterns

Children with severe obesity and related health issues such as prediabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to receive GLP-1 prescriptions. The study noted variations across demographics, with older children, girls, and those from less socially vulnerable areas receiving prescriptions at higher rates.

Emerging Inequities

Disparities in prescription patterns may indicate growing inequities in access to obesity treatment, potentially benefiting children from more privileged backgrounds disproportionately. The study used electronic health record prescriptions, which may not accurately represent medication dispensation or long-term use.

Long-term Implications

While preliminary data appears reassuring, further long-term studies are necessary to assess the risks of using these medications in children. Dr. Orandi highlighted the essential need to balance unknown risks against the established harms of untreated childhood obesity.

The Case for Treatment

Dr. Orandi noted that achieving a healthier weight in childhood reduces cardiometabolic risks by adulthood, supporting early intervention. The potential to reverse risk factors strengthens the argument for treatment.

Reference: Orandi, B., Trends in GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Prescriptions for Children Ages 8-11 with Obesity: 2019–2026, Pediatrics (2026). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-000123